Finch Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

10+ years

AVERAGE SIZE

 4-6 inches long

MALE OR FEMALE?

Many other Finch species are not easy distinguished by their appearances, but some experienced keepers may be able to make good guesses of the sex from the behavior of the bird.

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Finches are energetic, sweet-tempered birds. They will happily hop from perch to perch and are a joy to watch. Finches enjoy the company of other Finches. Keep them in pairs or in groups of six or more. They do not enjoy being handled, although some keepers have trained them to sit on a finger.

FEEDING

Finches DO NOT live by seed alone! They need good quality pellet diet mixed with seeds, vegetables, fruits and grains for a complete diet. We recommend a 60% pellet/20% seed/20% fresh food combination.

SUPPLEMENTS

Finches need calcium which can be offered in the form of a cuttlebone or calcium treat. Birds should also be exposed to UVB light for at least 3-4 hours per day if natural sunlight is not provided. 

WATER

Fresh, chlorine free water must always be available to your Finch. Finches often bathe in their water, so water may need to be changed multiple times a day.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

A single or pair of Finches should have a cage no smaller than 18”L x 18”W x 18”H. Perches of varying materials and types should be included in the cage. The cage should be placed in a family centered room where the bird(s) will feel a part of the “flock.” 

ENRICHMENT

Birds are very smart and inquisitive animals who need to keep their minds busy to prevent boredom and stress. Finches will enjoy small toys made of leather strips or sturdy string, mirrors, colorful plastic toys and bell toys made.  

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Your Finch’s cage should be spot cleaned daily for feces and spoiling food. Floor bedding or paper should be changed every few days and the entire habitat cleaned at least once a month.

GROOMING & HYGIENE

All birds should be gently misted with a water bottle dedicated to this use only. Spray up and over the bird to replicate a fine rain. NEVER spray the bird directly in the face. In addition to misting, a room temperature birdbath should be offered to your bird at least twice weekly. 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

•  Bird cage (min 18”L x 18”W x 18”H) for up to 2 birds, with bar space no larger than ⅜” to ½” 
• UVB bulb & housing (if needed) 
• Bedding for bottom of the cage 
• At least 3 different types of perches 
• 3 sturdy dishes: 1 for fresh water, 1 for pellet/seed mix, 1 for fresh food 
• At least 3 different types of toys 
• Bird seed & pellet diet 
• Treats such as millet spray 
• Calcium supplement such as cuttlebone, crushed oyster shells or calcium treat 
• Misting bottle & bird bath

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.